Gold Cup hero and Cork native Paul Townend returned to home ground in style, landing the UCC Don't Step On The Crest Handicap Hurdle on Ronald Pump for Matthew Smith.

Townend now leads Rachael Blackmore by 14 (98 plays 84) in the race to be champion jockey.

Former champ Townend here held course winner Ronald Pump up towards the rear, and the chestnut made progress in seventh after four out.

The hooded son of Schiaparelli closed on the outer entering the straight, and he disputed the lead three out.

Ridden to lead after two out, the 5/1 victor asserted before the last where he made a slight mistake, keeping on strongly on the run-in for a four and a half length verdict over Elwood

"Paul said he improved again there and he obviously has. He probably got to the front a little bit soon there but that's three wins out of four runs," said Smith.

"He is versatile enough ground-wise and we could go to Aintree for a three mile handicap hurdle there so we'll have a look at that. He seems to be improving the whole time."

(TW & EM)